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We unwittingly had an apparition at Pine Street this holiday season! Scrooge and Jacob Marley (played by David Richwine and Nicholas Hughes, respectively) have most recently been spotted at Open Stage Harrisburg where Nick Hughes has been playing Scrooge for the last 22 years! A Christmas Carol will be performed through Dec. 23rd at Market Square Plaza.
FINAL MEETING SCHEDULED to Review CAT Survey Results
Over the past several weeks, the Transition Team has led informational meetings with Session, Staff, Trustees, and Deacons to review and discuss the Executive Summary of the Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT). Our church leaders engaged in open discussion about the needs of the congregation and community according to the survey.
The Transition Team has planned one final informational sessions for members of the congregation to learn more about the assessment and how to become involved in the future planning for Pine Street. Please plan to attend in person Sunday, December 12, at 11:30 am in Fellowship Hall. We ask that you register to attend by calling the church office (717-238-9304) or emailing the church office at office@pinestreet.org.
If you have questions or concerns about the Interim Search Committee or Transition Team, please do not hesitate to contact David Colestock at 717-645-6174 or dmcolestock.dc@gmail.com.
Unique Opportunity to Help Those in Need this Season
Remember to visit the Welcome Center, if you haven’t already, to sign up for this year’s Giving Tree. This is the last Sunday to sign up for children’s gifts. Please deliver everything to the church by Sunday, December 19, with the exception of cookies for Presbyterian Apartments. (Thursday, December 16, is the last day to get those to the church.) Here are your Giving Tree choices:
• gifts (wrapped) for children at the Bethesda Mission Women’s Shelter
• donations toward rent, clothing, food, etc. through International Service Center for our new Afghan neighbors
• donations for fuel oil assistance to those in need through Help Ministries
• baking cookies for DDB and Presbyterian Apartments
Help bring joy and hope to someone else’s Christmas!
In addition to the Giving Tree signup, our new neighbors from Afghanistan are in urgent need of warm clothing for the adults and toys for children and teens of all ages. The toys should be new. The clothing can be gently used. We need small and medium sizes for women (no large, please), and medium and large for men. Just deliver it to the Welcome Center, and we’ll see that it gets to the right place.2nd in 4-Week Series Led by Deborah Port – “Feasting Habits for the Soul” – Via ZOOM
Feasting Habits for the Soul is a four-week Advent study to help us create healthy devotion habits in our lives. Each week we will look at the Advent text and theme to launch us into a deeper understanding of how to spend time in our Bibles, time with God in prayer, and do the work of discernment. This week’s focus is the habit of PEACE.
The Zoom link for all forums is: https://zoom.us/j/94544371015
Meeting ID: 945 4437 1015
Dial by your location: +1 646 876 9923
More Repairs on the Church Building
Several months ago the Property Committee and John Karl, the Facilities Manager, inspected the exterior of the church and found several areas that required repair. As you can see, the exterior doors have been re-stained. They look dressed in their best for the holiday season! John has also been hard at work this week ensuring that the plumbing leak identified this fall is fixed before the really cold weather sets in. Thank you, John, for orchestrating this important repair.
Reminder – Return Your Estimated Giving Cards
If you haven’t already, please prayerfully consider and submit your pledge for 2022. We rely on your generosity to remain steadfast in our worship, mission, Christian care, outreach, and educational efforts. You can mail your pledge card to the church office or drop it in the offering plate on Sunday.
Poinsettia Gifts for the Sanctuary
Orders may be placed any time through December 16. The cost is $12.00 each. Deposit completed forms in the box located at the Welcome Center, or mail them to the church at 310 N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101. If you would like a form sent to you, contact the church office at (717) 238-9304, or email 0ffice@pinestreet.org.
3rd in the Burg – Friday, December 17
Yearning for a yuletide carol sing-along? Or just a peaceful place to have some conversation? We have just the DIY solution! Bring some friends and join us Friday, December 17 in the Gathering Place and Sanctuary to enjoy the Advent and Christmas decorations. This is a casual drop-in (not a performance). The church will be open from 6 pm to 9 pm with singing beginning at around 7 pm.
Also, please consider signing up at the Welcome Center for an upcoming 3rd in the Burg event. We would love to have more members involved in welcoming visitors to our gallery and sanctuary for these events.
Christmas Joy Offering
The Christmas Joy Offering has been a cherished Presbyterian tradition since the 1930s. The offering distributes gifts equally to the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions and to the Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. This year our offering will be collected through Sunday, December 26.
Support Pine Street When You Shop for Christmas
We have teamed up with AmazonSmile again this year. Amazon will donate 0.5% pf tje [rice of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to our church. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Support Pine Street by starting your shopping at https://smile.amazon.com/. Be sure to choose Pine Street Presbyterian Church as your desired charity.
Pine Street Walkers Plans a Mural Walk December 19
On Sunday, December 19, the Pine Street Walkers welcome you to a downtown Harrisburg walk to see the city’s outdoor murals. We will walk the downtown area to view these beautiful murals and will be caroling as we stop to see each piece of art. Afterwards, we will find a spot for refreshments. Meet us at the corner of Third and Pine Streets by 1 pm to join us. Please email the church office at 0ffice@pinestreet.org if you need more information.
Christmas Eve Service to be held at 7:30 pm
The Christmas Eve Service will take place on December 24 at 7:30 pm. Please invite your friends and family to attend this beautiful traditional service.
Dates for your Calendar
Wednesday, December 8 – 7:00 pm Adult Forum via Zoom – The Habit of Peace with Deborah Port
Sunday, December 12 – 8:45 am Sunday School – 10:00 am Worship, The Rev. Heather Sigler, Preaching
Wednesday, December 15 – 7:00 pm Adult Forum via Zoom – The Habit of Joy with Deborah Port
Thursday, December 16 – 11:30 am Wreaths Across America, Dauphin County Cemetery, Gibson Blvd., Harrisburg – Last Day to Order Poinsettias
Friday, December 17 – 6:00 pm 3rd in the Burg
Sunday, December 19 – 8:45 am Sunday School – 10:00 am Worship, The Rev. Heather Sigler, Preaching
Tuesday, December 21 – 7:00 pm Longest Night Service – Online ONLY www.pinestreet.org
Wednesday, December 22 – 7:00 pm Adult Forum via Zoom – The Habit of Love with Deborah Port
Friday, December 24 – Church office closed – 7:30 pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Service with The Lord’s Supper
Sunday, December 26 – NO Sunday School – 10:00 am Informal service of Worship, Carols and Stories
Monday, December 27 – Church office Closed
Friday, December 31 – Church office Closed
Updated COVID-19 Statement
We would like to thank Pine Street worshipers for their diligent compliance with guidelines that recommend masks and social distancing regardless of vaccination status in all indoor areas in communities in which there is a substantial or high COVID-19 transmission rate. Session continues to ask worshipers to comply with these guidelines in consideration of the health and safety of everyone who worships with us.